Cheat Sheet

Puppies For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Owning a puppy is definitely fun, but it’s also a huge responsibility. You’re essentially caring for a new four-legged member of the family. You need to keep your puppy safe and healthy, and you also need to instill good manners with puppy housetraining and habits with basic puppy commands so that other folks enjoy your puppy as much as you do.

Teaching Commands for Puppy Obedience

To train your puppy, pair the following basic puppy command words with each specific action and use them consistently. Give positive reinforcement with treats and attention, and start early: The younger your puppy is when you start, the more attentive she will be to directions and ideas.

“Stay”: This direction instills good impulse control. Direct your puppy to stay whenever you want her to be still.

“Wait”: Use this direction for sudden stops or at curbs. It says, “Stop and focus on me before proceeding.”

“No”: This direction is the human equivalent of “That’s a bad idea” instead of “You’re bad.” Use it if you catch your puppy thinking about misbehaving.

Everyday instructions: Assign a command to everyday actions like going upstairs, going outside, coming inside, getting in the car, and so on.

Sample Housetraining Schedule for Puppies

This housetraining schedule is based on the needs of a healthy four-month-old puppy. Vary the schedule according to your schedule and the age needs of your pup. If you can’t take care of all your pup’s needs due to your work schedule or other conflicts, consider hiring a helper.

Period of Day/Time

Action

Wake up (7:00 a.m.)

Go to potty area (outside or papers) immediately and only for a
potty break.

Breakfast (7:30 a.m.)

Fill the bowl and encourage your puppy to sit before placing it
down.

Morning walk (8:00 a.m.)

Play after breakfast and/or take a walk.

Late-morning walk (11:00 a.m.)

Play, potty, and/or take a walk.

Lunch (11:15 a.m.)

Young puppies must eat and then go to their potty area. Fill
the bowl and encourage your puppy to sit before placing it
down.

After-lunch outing (11:45 a.m.)

Potty break.

Midafternoon walk (2:30 p.m.)

Play, potty, and/or take a walk.

Pre-dinner outing

Potty break.

Dinnertime (4:30 p.m.)

Fill the bowl and encourage your puppy to sit before placing it
down.

After-dinner outing (5 p.m.)

Play, potty, and/or take a walk.

Evening (7:30 p.m.)

Remove water.

Late evening (8:30 p.m.)

Potty break.

Before bed (11:00 p.m.)

Potty break.

Middle of the night

Potty break if necessary.

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